Peachpit talks to James Ball, Robbie Carman, Matt Gottshalk, and Richard Harrington about their new book and DVD, From Still to Motion, what photographers struggle with the most when learning video, and how to stay up to date on the latest in the world of video.

Peachpit: What was the motivation behind writing From Still to Motion? Why this topic, and why now?

Authors: We've been thinking about and actively working on the book for more than a year. When we first starting seeing video-enabled DSLR cameras we were excited by their potential. They can be challenging to work with, but have great rewards with incredible visuals.

We decided there needed to be a definitive book and DVD that explored the entire process of using these cameras (from pre-production through delivery), and one that explored both the art and the technology. Camera models and features constantly change, but the process of creating video is relatively constant and we felt there needed to be thorough coverage on how to create video with a DSLR camera. What we've created is an in-depth case study that explores how we used these cameras for six months and all the cool things we learned along the way.

Read the whole interview here

When in San Francisco I had the chance to attend the great Cartoon Art Museum. Peachpit Press held a party there and it was a really cool place. It was wild to see so many comic covers that I recognized (and in some cases owned). The museum is filled with all sorts of cartoon artwork.

"From editorial cartoons to comic books, graphic novels to anime, Sunday funnies to Saturday morning cartoons, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone. Located downtown in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena cultural district, the museum is home to over 6,000 pieces of original and cartoon and animation art, a comprehensive research library, and five galleries of exhibition space. Join us for one of our many book signings, lectures, cartooning classes or workshops; mix and mingle with professional and aspiring cartoonists; or visit our bookstore. Whether it’s nostalgic, educational, or just plain fun, a trip to the Cartoon Art Museum will be an experience you will never forget."

The museum is only $6 to visit and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm.

They've got several cool exhibits right now, one on Batman, another on Samurais across cultures, and a spotlight on cover artist Ed Hannigan.

I have two new iPhoto training titles released today from Peachpit Press. I am very proud of these and hope you enjoy them. For you pros... its perfect for your family members/parents. These are two very cool titles that I made especially for the iPhoto users out there.

iPhoto: Fix Your Photos – http://tinyurl.com/iphotofix
The videos provide easy to follow tutorials that help you fix common problems with pictures. You'll learn how to straighten and crop, adjust dark photos, and bring out the color in your snapshots. You'll also learn how to fix soft focus, red eye, and overexposed photos. Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an experienced user, you'll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to get your work done faster. Each lesson includes hands on files so you can work along with the instructor.

iPhoto: Share Your Photos - http://tinyurl.com/iphotoshare
The videos provide easy to follow tutorials that help you share your pictures over email or post them online to services including MobileMe, Facebook, and Flickr. You’ll also learn techniques for making slideshows and creating your own blog. Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an experienced user, you’ll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to share your photos easily. Each lesson includes hands on files so you can follow along with the instructor.

Need some Photoshop training? Check out our iPhone and iPod touch apps.They are on sale right now at a special price 99¢ and $1.99.

• Terry White made it his pick of the week.
• Jeff Revell at PhotoWalkPro write a very detailed review too.
• My son thinks it's cool that I used his picture in one of the lessons

If you haven't tried our new training apps, what are you waiting for?

How about our sale!

Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes is $.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos is $1.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
(prices good through February 1)

These apps are a lot of work, but I want to see them succeed. We've lowered the prices temporarily so more people will try them out. Tell your friends and try them out (the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive).

• Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
• Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
• Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
• Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
• Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
• A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
• Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.

Our friends at the Peachpit User Group Program are making a special offer for all Mac User Groups who are interested delivering both great information on video production and a great price on a Peachpit book to their members.

Peachpit would like to give your group a unique opportunity to provide your members with high-quality articles and video instruction from Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman’s critically acclaimed Peachpit book, Video Made on a Mac: Production and Postproduction using Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite absolutely free.
Get more information – here

Always nice to have one of my books get a 10/10 review – go team! Thanks to the folks over at MyMac.com for a detailed review of our Aperture 2 book.

"Aperture 2: Professionally Manage Digital Photographs goes into every little things that Aperture can do for you. While you can easily see and use the sliders in the interface, it is not obvious by looking at them that using a modifier key will improve the tools' functionality. They are also describing features like round-tripping to an external editor, such as Photoshop. And if your camera RAW file format is not yet recognized by Aperture, did you know you can use a free DNG converter from Adobe to be able to edit it in Aperture without having to wait for Apple to update the software? I point this out, because historically speaking Adobe has been faster to implement RAW decodes for new cameras than Apple ever was."

See the whole review here.

Get the book here.

It's always nice to get name-checked on Scott Kelby's blog (he is the number one technology author in the world after all).

"Just Released: “Editing Video Shot With Your DSLR” Online Class

Video guru, photographer, and Photoshop World instructor Richard Harrington just released a new online class at Kelby Training Online called Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac, and it answers so many questions about this booming new area of creativity for photographers. If you’ve got a DSLR that shoots video, you’ve got to catch Rich’s class (here’s the link)."
Thanks Scott – He called me a photographer... guess I'm moving up in the world =)

Need some Photoshop training? Check out our new iPhone and iPod touch apps.

Quick Fixes has 23 reviews in the iTtunes store (22 are 5-start and 1 4-star)! People love this app.

• Terry White made it his pick of the week.
• Jeff Revell at PhotoWalkPro write a very detailed review too.
• My son thinks it's cool that I used his picture in one of the lessons

If you haven't tried our new training apps, what are you waiting for?

How about our sale!

Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes is $1.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos is $3.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
(prices good through November 30)

These apps are a lot of work, but I want to see them succeed. We've lowered the prices temporarily so more people will try them out. Tell your friends and try them out (the feedback has been overwhelmingly possitive).

• Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
• Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
• Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
• Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
• Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
• A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
• Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.

Have you seen our new book? Be sure to check out the Facebook group for more resources.

We've also got a new podcast series too with free tips and practice files. Web or iTunes for free.

"On a Mac, the sky's the limit for creating professional video. With all the tools available though, it can be a daunting task to decide which ones offer the best solutions for combined efficiency and high-level results. How can you effectively communicate your vision to clients and crew? How should you calibrate your camera for multi-camera and green screen shoots? Is it better to do your keying in After Effects, Motion, or Final Cut? How should you set up your edit suite for efficiency and accuracy? How do you manage large amounts of media and a multitude of formats for multiple software applications?

In Video Made on a Mac, you'll learn the answers and much more. Chock-full of practical advice and step-by-step instructions, each chapter provides insight on the critical components of production and postproduction that can make all the difference when you're up against a tight budget and schedule. The accompanying DVD supplies you with project files and high-definition footage so you can follow along with the examples, as well as 50 training videos. Whether you're an advanced Mac user or just beginning to incorporate Adobe Creative Suite into your Final Cut Studio workflow, you'll learn to apply best-practice techniques to all your video projects."

Are you capturing video with your DSLR video camera? My new training video just launched over at Kelby Training.

Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac

Your DSLR shoots video! Cool right!? Now what? You've probably got more video than you know what to do with. Richard Harrington created this course to help you with how to edit that video footage (using Mac software). Rich covers everything from in-the-field tips all the way to post-production techniques using Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express and iMovie

Be sure to check the class out today.

Here's a link to the trailer for the video as well.

Just wanted to let you all know what shows I am expected to speak at over the next few months. There are a handful pending, so I may update the list.

Photoshop World – October 1 - 3, 2009 – LAS VEGAS, NV
New York Post|Production Conference – October 5 - 8, 2009 – NEW YORK, NY
PowerPoint Live – October 11 - 14, 2009 – ATLANTA, GA
DIgital Media DC – December 1- 3, 2009 – WASHINGTON, DC
Editors Retreat – JANUARY 13-16, 2010 – MIAMI BEACH, FL
Macworld Expo – FEBRUARY 9-13, 2010 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
National Association of Broadcasters – APRIL 10-15, 2010 – LAS VEGAS, NV

Two totally free resources to learn Flash and After Effects. These come from the new book After Effects for Flash / Flash for After Effects: Dynamic Animation and Video with Adobe After Effects CS4 and Adobe Flash CS4 Professional. This book is really great and I hope you enjoy the first two chapters.

After Effects Essentials for Flash Users

• Free chapter and project files
• http://bit.ly/pN1mJ

Flash Essentials for After Effects Users

• Free chapter and project files
• http://bit.ly/XB6Ag

If you’ve wondered why I’ve been so quite lately... it’s because I’ve been hard at work on both of these books. I’m proud to announce that these will be shipping in just a few weeks. Both feature a ton of new projects and all sorts of new tips. Even if you have previous editions of the books, you won’t want to miss these. We’ve completely rewritten nearly every chapter with a ton of new projects, design tips, and a bunch of really helpful advice.


Apple Training Series: iWork 09
In the only Apple-certified guide to iWork ’09, you’ll learn to create everything from first-rate business presentations and newsletters to effective budgets and event planners. Focused lessons take you step by step through all aspects of Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. The self-paced book/DVD combo uses real-life material and practical lessons that you can apply immediately to your own projects. You’ll learn to:

• Master the iWork suite of tools quickly through fun, real-world projects
• Design a Keynote presentation from storyboard to Web export
• Add animated charts and motion backgrounds to a presentation with ease
• Publish great-looking newsletters and brochures in print and on the Web
• Build a professional marketing package from scratch
• Create expense reports, track budgets, and plan special events
• Sort, organize, and chart data using sophisticated spreadsheet calculations

Get iWork ‘09 for 34% off the cover price

Apple Training Series: iLife 09
In the only Apple-certified guide to iLife ’09, the authors have you working miracles with iLife within the first few pages. Featuring footage and images from around the world, this book/DVD combo uses real-life material and practical lessons that you can apply immediately to your own projects. Focused lessons take you step by step through all aspects of iLife ’09—everything from organizing and sharing your photo library to creating polished video and soundtracks. Along the way, you’ll produce movies, photobooks, podcasts, websites, blogs, and custom DVDs.

Get iLife ‘09 for 34% off the cover price

I worked hard on these... there’s a ton of new stuff and I really hope you check them out.

I must say that the unexpected happened. In one week I received two books translated into languages I don’t even speak. It’s kind of amazing to see how global the interest in better design is.


The first book to arrive, How to Wow with Power Point. Available now in Simplified Chinese.

“We begin with the important essentials of typography, layout, and design, and move on to creating tables, charts, graphs, and custom templates. Next comes the fun stuff, with projects focusing on audio and video files and integrating Flash. Finally, there is a chapter devoted to exporting and publishing, including how to create handouts, upload to the Web, and other ways to share your presentation. On the How to Wow CD-ROM is everything you’ll need to complete the projects.”

Then a few days later, Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2 printed in German.

“Fully updated for Aperture 2, this comprehensive book-DVD training combo starts with the basics of image management and takes you step by step all the way through Aperture's powerful photo-editing, image-retouching, proofing, publishing, and archiving features. Aperture 2's new features are completely covered, including a new RAW-image processing engine, a streamlined interface, powerful new adjustment tools, and added integration with Mac OS X and other Apple products for instant web publishing and one-click portfolio syncing.”

What a great world we live in... I just wish I could read the books and see how different the translations are from what I originally wrote.

I recently had a chance to shoot a bunch of podcasts with Alex Lindsay and the great folks at Pixel Corps.

“Learn how to get the most out of your mac at Work! From iWork to communication to databases to networking hardware – MacBreak Work will help you MACsimize your productivity!”

Be sure to check out the new show, MacBreak Work.

You can view it on the web or subscribe for free in iTunes.

I am proud to announce that my new book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 is now shipping. This is the second edition of the book and it is fully updated for CS4 (even if you’re using CS3, you’ll find it a big help.) The book covers all sorts of great new features in Photoshop and I significantly revised it with nearly 100 new photos.

The book is on sale at Amazon for 30% off, and adds some great new stuff.
The book is on sale at Peachpit’s website for 35% off. If ordering from Peachpit, use the discount code UAPTWO at checkout.


We’ve made our podcast series totally interactive for our book readers (more in a few days).

You can access a free chapter on Automation here.
You can view an excerpt from a chapter on color correction here.

The books are in my hands and shipping from both Peachpit and Amazon.

If you like the book... PLEASE write a review (I’d really appreciate it).

Besides repairing, the Retouch brush in Aperture offers the ability to clone within an image. This works well to copy pixels from one area of an image to another as a way to hide imperfections or repeat objects. The cloning option is fast because it doesn’t attempt to blend pixels.

1 Press X to select the Retouch tool.
2 Select the Retouch HUD and click the Clone button.
3 In the Retouch HUD, adjust the brush Radius and the Softness.
4 Hold down the Option key and click the area you want to sample.

Tip
It’s often better to take a few strokes to build up the texture. Be careful as you clone so you don’t introduce stray strokes.

5 Brush over the area you want to clone.
6 Repeat brushstrokes as needed.

Tip
If you get an unintended stroke, you can choose Undo. If you return to a retouched image you can also delete a Retouch brush stroke at any time by clicking the Delete button in the Retouch area of the Adjustments pane. Note that brush strokes can be deleted only in reverse order because they’re recorded sequentially.

My new book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 is off to the presses. I’ve gotten permission to release a chapter to you early (and for free). Here is our comprehensive guide to every filter in Photoshop as well as tips on how to get more out of your filter collection.

To download the free guide – Click Here.

To order from Peachpit.com
CLICK TO ORDER – DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF (Enter Code at Step 3 of checkout)
To order from Amazon.com
CLICK TO ORDER – 17% OFF

Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4:
The Essential Techniques for Imaging Professionals
By Richard Harrington

List Price: $49.99 – Sale Price $32.49
DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF

Photoshop is the foundation of every digital career. It is the most pervasive technology on the market. Many users think they know it, but in truth they have gaping holes. This book covers what a professional truly needs to know about Photoshop to be employable. For students (whether in formal programs, certified training centers, or self-paced) this book offers a chance to explore the many aspects of the program interactively.  The book cuts though the clutter and is unique in that it focuses not just on digital photography, but Internet, graphic design, multimedia, and video uses.

Readers will learn the basics in correcting, editing, sharpening, retouching, and presenting photos as well as work on specific projects/exercises, including: digital painting; preparing images for newsprint; designing a CD/DVD label, magazine cover, and advertisements; and building an electronic portfolio.

The full-color book includes a CD-ROM with hand-on exercises and practice images, access to a reader’s only Web site for bonus downloads and files, and access to the popular video tutorial Podcasts (150 at time of publication).
CLICK TO ORDER – DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF (Enter Code at Step 3 of checkout)

Learn about important changes to the Photoshop CS4 user interface.
- Refined workspaces
– Freely rotatable canvas
– Greater zoom levels
- Enhanced controls with panels
- Tabbed documents

I've got a new book that's going to press this week. It's a short one, but is designed to help teacher's use Apple's iLife and iWork in the classroom. I come from a family of teachers (having 5 elementary teachers and 2 college instructors in my immediate clan). I really hope this book inspires teachers to fully integrate digital media into their lessons.



Apple Training Series:
A Teacher's Guide to Digital Media in the Classroom
by Richard Harrington with Ted Lai
Price: $19.99
Release Date: August 8, 2008



Product Description
In this Apple-certified guide, Richard Harrington shows teachers how to integrate digital media arts into their existing curriculum using iLife ’08, iWork ’08, and practical, step-by-step projects. Developed in collaboration with the Pearson Education Foundation in accordance with the National Educational Technology Standards council, the book includes class-room tested guidelines from the Foundation's Digital Media Arts program, as well as inspirational profiles of successful digital media classroom projects around the world. Designed to be used with Apple Training Series: iLife ’08 and Apple Training Series: iWork 08, this guide covers everything from designing a photo essay to creating polished video projects, and will have teachers and students producing websites, podcasts, video blogs, and DVDs in no time. Students learn to:

• Express a Feeling: Create a photo-essay slideshow, add sound, and publish it on the web
• Make a Factual Case: Track data in a spreadsheet, organize it into charts, then deliver it as a Keynote presentation
• Make a Persuasive Case: Research an issue, develop an argument, and create a PSA in iMovie and burn it to DVD
• Solve a Problem: Reconcile income and expenses in a household budget and chart financial scenarios
• Tell a Story: Document the personal history of a community leader in a short, sophisticated movie

To order the book, click here.

Watch each week as “The Photoshop Guys” (Dave Cross, Matt Kloskowski, and Scott Kelby) from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) share the hottest Adobe Photoshop tutorials, the latest insider tricks, and the coolest timesaving, job-saving shortcuts to make your time in Photoshop more productive, more efficient, and more fun.

Be sure to check out this week’s epsiode of Photoshop User TV. Scott Kelby had me on the show for an interview and a couple of quick tips.

Watch Episode Online
Download Episode 138

Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to make great selections using channels in Photoshop.

I've launched a new course over at Kelby Training called Photoshop and After Effects for Event Photographers. It's designed to help teach you new ways to show your images to clients? Learn how to quickly prepare images for use in video and on-screen. In this interactive lesson you'll learn how to prepare photos for PowerPoint, Keynote, and DVD slideshows as well as how to create attractive pans and zooms of your image.

You can watch the first three parts of the lesson for free and find out more on their site. The tutorial touches upon most of the Production Premium suite. You'll learn a bit about Photoshop, After Effects, Encore, Premiere Pro, Soundbooth, and the Adobe Media Encoder

I hope you enjoy it.

I just appeared on the latest episode of TWIP (This week in Photography). The show is hosted by Scott Bourne & Alex Lindsay
We discussed the new book Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2 (Apple Pro Training Series). Here are a few highlights:

• As both a photographer and author, his challenge in writing books like this one is to remember that the purpose of the software is not to bring something out that wasn’t there, but rather to enhance something that (for whatever reason) you couldn’t capture. We’ve all been in those situations where time is so short that you don’t get the lighting quite ideal, etc.
• Right now, use of an Aperture plug-in works much like a round-trip to Photoshop. A new version of the image is created, edited via the plug-in, and “returned” to Aperture’s control. Granted, you never alter your original image, so you never lose the ability to go back and start again on a process that utilized a plug-in. Ultimately, true non-destructive plug-ins might happen, but there’s no absolute way to know with Apple being so tight-lipped about their development process.- The book covers a wide range of output targets including prints, books, web use, iPhone, AppleTV, etc.

I came home tonight and found a copy of Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2 sitting on my door step. I'm quite happy with how the book came out (especially since we were able to work in all of the new features in the 2.1 release). The book should start shipping within days... you can order it here. In the mean time (here are some features you won't want to miss).

Customize the Default Adjustment Set
Specify exactly which adjustments you want to appear by default in the Adjustments Inspector/HUD. Two new commands — Add to Default Set and Remove from Default Set — are accessible in the Action pop-up menu for each adjustment in order to configure these settings.

Keyboard support in Adjustment Panels
Make precise image adjustments using the arrow keys on your keyboard to drive the various sliders in the Adjustments Inspector/HUD. To activate keyboard control, click once in the numeric field of an adjustment control (such as Exposure). You can then use the arrow keys to increase or decrease values. Hold down the Option key when using the arrow keys for even more precise adjustment. You can use Tab to move to the next adjustment control (and Shift-Tab to move to a previous control).

Read More...

Want 30 minutes of free training on Adobe Photoshop CS3? Adobe had me in their theater at NAB giving lessons. Here's a recording from one of the days so you can see what was taught.



If you want more free classes... visit the Adobe TV site.

Apple iTunes just promoted my company to network status. You can find all of our "in-house" technical training podcasts on a single page now.

I encourage you to take a look at our several shows.

Understanding Adobe Photoshop – iPod and HD – A general interest show about Photoshop for beginners and intermediates
Photoshop for Video – iPod and HD – A show about creating graphics for video pros and motion graphic designers
Producing Video Podcasts – iPod and HD – A show that offers both production and post tips for making video for the web
Final Cut Help – iPod – Weekly tips about using Final Cut Studio

Remember, the podcasts are totally free, all we ask is you post a review to the iTunes store and tell a friend.

Thanks to Planet Photoshop for making Photoshop for Video their pick of the week.

“This week I recommend Photoshop for Video by Richard Harrington. This book covers the information you need to implement Photoshop into your video workflow. It covers using channels effectively, setting up automation, creating interesting effects, and much more. If you want to get a better handle on working with Photoshop in your video workflow then this is the book for you. Richard is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop and After Effects and is an instructor at major events like Photoshop World and NAB. His visual communications consultancy, RHED Pixel, creates motion graphics and produces video and multimedia projects. Richard also has a blog at RasterVector.com and another at PhotoshopForVideo.com.”

Be sure to check out the rest of the site for a ton of great tutorials and video tips.

The Aperture book is DONE and off to print. We worked in complete coverage on Aperture 2.1 which has some great new features. I've logged a lot of time with the application and wanted to offer some insight on the best of the new features in the free 2.1 update.

• Dodge & Burn Plug-in – This plug-in offers much more than just Dodge and Burn. You'll also find brush-based tools for Contrast, Saturation, Sharpen Fade, and Blur. The plug-in also opens the door to third-party development (including some cool tools from nik Software.
• Customize Default Adjustment Set – You can now specify which adjustments appear by default in the Adjustments Inspector/HUD.
• Updated Crop Tool – The crop tool has been simplified. The new UI makes it easier to preserve an image's original aspect ratio, match the aspect ratio of your display, or use one of the standard preset aspect ratios.
• Flip Images – You can now flip or flop images horizontally or vertically within Aperture.
• Save Books as JPEG or TIFF images – This means you can now submit books to several third party websites.

The book will be out very soon... you can order it here.

I just got forwarded a nice review on the Apple Training Series book on iWork ‘08.

“Apple’s iWork applications are quite easy to use. However, if users want to go beyond the meager instructions given in the little pamphlets that come in the box with the software, Apple Training Series: iWork ‘08 is a great way to extend their knowledge of the software.

The applications in the iWork suite are designed to be easy to use from the get-go. Install, launch, poke around a little, do a little dragging and dropping, enter some text, and ...Shazam!.. get surprisingly good results. However, the ease with which users can use the software initially might prevent many from realizing the full potential of the iWork apps. Working through the lessons in Harrington’s manual, The Apple Training Series: iWork '08, will take users to the next level.”

“Richard Harrington has come up with a real winner for Mac users who are serious about developing new and valuable skills with The Apple Training Series: iWork '08, though it may be overkill for casual users of the iWork applications.”

You can read the full review here – You can get the book here

A new edition of the book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop has been ordered. I want this book to be really great (we're going to keep the best of the last version but add a ton of new stuff). What I'd really like to know is what do you want. More exercises, clearer explanations, more humor? Please tell me... I really do want to know.

Please use the comments below and let me know what you'd like to see. I promise that everyone who replies will get a special download when the book is closer to done. I can't comment too much on timeline, the exact title, etc.... but I promise you'll like it!

Our new book called Producing Video Podcasts is shipping. We're really happy with how its turned out. It's a comprehensive title that explores all aspects of producing video podcasts (as well as web video).

If you are a budding podcaster or a multimedia professional I strongly encourage you to check out the book. Here are several links to give you a good idea of what its all about.

The Book: To Order – Read Chapter 1 – Table of Contents – Index
The Website – The Podcast

We recently started producing our weekly show, Understanding Adobe Photoshop in High Defintiion. We did this for improved image quality for the screencast portion (and to make the show work for TiVo HD and Apple TV). We expected some reaction... and we got it. You sure are a passionate audience. Some of you LOVE the new HD sized show... some HATE it....

That's okay... you are entitled to your opinions and you are entitled to have both.

If you want the show at iPod size:
iPod Web – http://podango.com/podcast/2328/Understanding_Adobe_Photoshop
iPod iTunes – http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=275727214

If you want the show in HD:
HD Web – http://www.podango.com/podcast/1136/Understanding_Adobe_Photoshop
HD iTunes – http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=188276737

For more information on subscribing see this page or this video.

It's that time of the month... we'd like your input for the monthly survey.

Two more of my classes are now online at Kelby Training.

Photoshop for Video - Working With Photos
Richard Harrington uncovers techniques essential for video editors who are working with Photos in Photoshop. He shares his best practices for working with graphic and still images in a video environment.

Photoshop for Video - Technical Essentials
Join Adobe Certified Trainer Richard Harrington, as he uncovers the Technical Essentials of Adobe Photoshop CS3 for video professionals and enthusiasts.

You can access all the classes online for only $19.99 per month (besides mine there's a ton of great stuff up there).

Forgive the short blog posts... I'm a little busy for the next two weeks finishing this:

“Fully updated for Aperture 2, this comprehensive book-DVD training combo starts with the basics of image management and takes you step by step all the way through Aperture's powerful photo-editing, image-retouching, proofing, publishing, and archiving features. Aperture 2's new features are completely covered, including a new RAW-image processing engine, a streamlined interface, powerful new adjustment tools, and added integration with Mac OS X and other Apple products for instant web publishing and one-click portfolio syncing. Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2 delivers comprehensive training - the equivalent of a two-day course - in one project-based book. You'll learn time-saving techniques for sorting, ranking, and organizing images, effective methods for correcting and enhancing images, plus efficient ways to display images for client review, apply metadata, update your online portfolio automatically, and much more. Real-world exercises feature professional photography from a variety of genres, including photo-journalism, sports, wedding, commercial, and portraiture. All the files you need to complete the exercises are included on the DVD.”

And by fully-updated... its a completely new book with all-new photos and a ton of cool new things.

In the meantime... check out these free online videos and my review: Top 10 Reasons To Upgrade to Aperture 2.

From Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider Blog

We’ve posted our first online class from Digital Video Guru (and Photoshop World Instructor) Richard Harrington, and it’s one a lot of people have been asking for: Getting Started with Apple Motion. Here’s the link to Rich’s new online class over at KelbyTraining.com. Note: We’ve got a lot more classes coming from Rich very soon, so stayed tuned! (That’s TV talk. I thought Rich would appreciate that type of jargon).

I've just completed three new DVDs on Apple Motion. We shot the titles in HD, and the screen quality is awesome. On each title you get a regular DVD, iPod ready files, and HD files for viewing on a computer or Apple TV. There are three volumes at $59 each or a bundle of all three for $139. Each comes with hands on lesson files and a lot of cool stuff is covered.

“From beginner to master in one set, these three DVD’s will take you step by step through Apple Motion and have you ready to tackle complex projects in just hours. Join Richard Harrington in this three DVD set of clear, concise training that will have you producing higher quality work with Apple Motion in no time.”

You can get the training from VASST.com. If you want a discount code... Post a comment and I'll send it to you.

Just wanted to let you know that Amazon is running a special on the new Final Cut book I co-authored. They've got the book for less than $20 (thats a third off the cover price).

Book Description
Packed with more than 500 techniques, this book delivers what you need to knowon the spot. It is suited to editors of all experience levels, whether you are:

• Migrating from another NLE
• Upgrading to Final Cut Studio 2
• Seeking a handy reference to raise your proficiency

Read More...

I just wanted to let you know that our new training on Apple Color is shipping (Motion will be coming very soon as well).

Absolute Training for Final Cut Studio, Vol. 11
Introduction to Color
Join Apple Certified Trainer Jeff Greenberg as he takes you through the basic and intermediate features of Apple Color. As a leading presenter, trainer, and creator of multimedia content, Jeff guides viewers through the most important features in Apple Color. His presentation style empowers users to get up and running in Color immediately.

To Order


Absolute Training for Final Cut Studio, Vol. 12
Advanced Color
Join Apple Certified Trainer Jeff Greenberg as he takes you well beyond the basics in Advanced Color from VASST. This DVD is designed for users who want to take advantage of the high end features found in Apple Color. As a leading presenter, trainer, and creator of multimedia content, Jeff’s presentation style allows viewers master the advanced features in Color quickly and easily.

To Order


By both and save....

Congrats to Scott Kelby and Kelby Training for launching a new online training site. The subscription site is a great value and offers a lot of great training on software. Coverage is mostly Adobe tools... but I have a few titles in the works with them that will also cover Apple software.

Q. Before we get started; do I have to read all this stuff, or do you have a quick video clip that explains it all?
A. Yup, we sure do. Here’s the link.

Q. So what is subscription-based online training?
A. In the past, we’ve offered online training courses, and it was always “Pay as you go” (basically, you’d pay individually for each class you took). But now you can pay one annual subscription fee and then you have unlimited access to all our online classes.
Q. You said this is amazingly affordable. OK, how affordable is it?
A. Our annual subscription is only $199, or you can pay $19.95 a month. By contrast our online classes used to be around $70.00 each. If you took just three classes, you were already paying more than our new subscription tuition. Now, you get unlimited access, all year long, for only $199. That’s just 55¢ a day, for unlimited access to the best Photoshop and photography teachers on the planet.
Q. What makes you guys different?
A. We knew we had to do something really special to stand out from the other online training options, so we asked ourselves what is the single most important aspect of any online course. Is it the topics? The price? The technology? The quantity? The look? What is it? We think the single most important thing is “The teacher.” It’s who you’re learning from, and their connection with the students. It’s their passion, their knowledge, their ability to communicate and share in a way that makes sense, that’s engaging, and even fun. That’s why we built our entire program around one thing; bringing you nothing but the very best teachers on the planet. Period.
Q. If the teacher provides files for us to practice along with, can we download them, or do we have to pay extra?
A. You get ‘em without any extra fees whatsoever. It’s part of your subscription.
Q. Can I get a sneak peek at how it all works? How about letting me try a couple of lessons?
A. Sure, why not. Head over to the KelbyTraining site, and click the “Try it Now (Free)” link at the top. You can watch the first three lessons from any of the classes to get a sense of what we’re doing, how the player works, and stuff like that.

Those who know me personally, know I am very passionate about podcasting. I have been hard at work for the last year on a new book on just that, video podcasting. My business partner, Mark Weiser, and I have taken many of the hard lessons learned at RHED Pixel and put them into a book. The book is full color and richly illustrated, plus there will also be a companion website and podcast launching in January.

The book ships in February, but you can get the biggest discount by pre-ordering it from Amazon.com.

The official Apple Training Series titles for iLife 08 and iWork 08 are on their way. The iWork book will hit first, but both books are on the printing press. There are a wealth of new features and changes in these two suites of applications (you can see videos here and here). These apps have a lot to offer for both consumers and media pros. You can find out more on the iWork book here, and the iLife book here. Enjoy!

Hey all.... seems like I've been on a nonstop writing streak (5 books this year...). The latest update is about to ship on iWork. The book has four new chapters and all of the chapters have been updated. The iWork ’08 update is significant as it adds a new application called Numbers. Plus the apps can all read and write Office 2007 files. To be honest, its pretty hard to beat at only $79 for the software.

Book DescriptionApple's enhanced iWork productivity suite is poised to allow Mac users to create, present, and publish their work with style. iWork '08 offers three powerful applications—Pages ’08, Keynote ’08, and the brand-new spreadsheet program, Numbers ‘08—for creating everything from newsletters and stationery to polished business presentations to graphics-rich spreadsheets. This self-paced learning guide, which includes  a companion CD jam-packed with practical media files, takes readers step-by-step through essential, real-life tasks for home and office that cover all aspects of iWork '08. The book is both a self-paced learning tool and the official curriculum of the Apple Training and Certification Program, used by schools and training centers worldwide, and is ideal for users of all levels.”

The downloadable bonus chapter on Photoshop CS3 Extended is available to those who’ve purchased “Photoshop for Video.” You will need the password found in the back cover. This code is unique for each book, so be sure to register your code.

If you have your code ready, please visit http://booksite.focalpress.com/Harrington/ and start to download. You'll find a full-length chapter plus all of the source media needed for the exercises. It’s a big download, so be sure to have a fast Internet connection handy.

For problems or suggestions concerning the site, please contact: Technical Support.

I suspect that many of you may be viewers of the Understanding Adobe Photoshop podcast... I really need your help.

The show is starting to get some major attention (all of it good that will let me do MORE episodes and give away more stuff on the site). But I really need to get its iTunes review score and its ranking up.

So... please click here, to go to iTunes and post a review (the negative reviews are pretty much from when we first launched and had episodes go down for a few days).

Some recent facts:

1. ALL the back episodes are now live on the page thanks to the folks at Podango. So even if you are a subscriber, visit the iTunes page and download any missing shows.

2. The show was named to iTunes Photoshop Masters page (really... I had no idea there was such a page). Congrats to Scott Kelby, Terry White, Russell Brown, Matt Klowskowski and Jan Kabili (all peers).

3. We re-branded the show with cool graphics (heck, replace your old shows with new ones).

4. ALL shows are now 640 X 480 (so again replace those old episodes with higher res versions).

Go.... PLEASE.... Really!

Thanks!

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

I just wanted to let you know, the new book on Final Cut Studio is on the presses (this means it will be in your hands soon). Here's the official description (I promise a sample chapter in a few days).

“Packed with more than 500 techniques, this book delivers the time-saving workflow processes that experienced editors want to improve their productivity, and wow their clients. No need to wade through tomes of documentation. 'Final Cut Studio On the Spot' presents immediate solutions in an accessible format. Written by Apple-certified trainers, it clearly illustrates all the essential methods that pros use to get the job done efficiently and creatively. Screenshots and step-by-step instructions show the way.”

The book is completely updated with new tips in every chapter. There are also two completely new chapters on Multi-camera Editing and HD Workflow. Amazon has the book on sale... I hope you enjoy!

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

If you'll be at the Podcast and New Media Expo show this weekend, consider checking out these free classes on the show floor. Podango is offering an “Unconference,” a featured program of the Podcast and New Media Expo (PNME) taking place September 28-30, at the Ontario Convention Center.

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...

I've gotten a few letters lately asking about new books... there are three updates and a new one in development (more later).

But I did write a new book and thoroughly revise another.

For your reading enjoyment and personal education.


Photoshop for Video 3rd Edition (previously titled Photoshop for Nonlinear Editors)
• Major updates with tons of new content and more than 75 new pages of material
• Over 2.5 hours of training videos
• Expanded coverage of DVD and Motion Graphics
• In-depth look at HD graphics and workflow
• Full coverage of Photoshop CS3

Download the free chapter here.
You can order the book here.


Here's a free chapter from my new book How to Wow with PowerPoint. This is the intro to the book and focusses on best practices for designing graphics for the screen (so even if you aren't a PowerPoint fan, you'll find some wholesome goodness on here). I hope you all enjoy it, If you'd like to order the book click here.

Unrated

I just finished a new training title on Final Cut Express. It's called Final Cut Express HD 3.5 Essential Training (but it will work for just about any version of the application). It is priced at $99, or you can view it as a member of the lynda.com online library.

Here's the official blurb:

Instructor Richard Harrington covers each detail of using Final Cut Express HD 3.5 to effectively edit, organize, and publish digital video and audio files for DVDs, web-based projects, and iPod productions. From understanding the finer points of the workspace to using the tools to their full potential, Final Cut Express HD 3.5 Essential Training teaches the complete process, using hands-on examples. Exercise files accompany this tutorial.

Duration: 6 hours
On 1 DVD

I hope you enjoy!

I've just gotten permission from my publisher to release a chapter for free from my new book How to Wow with PowerPoint. This is the intro to the book and focusses on best practices for designing graphics for the screen (so even if you aren't a PowerPoint fan, you'll find some wholesome goodness on here).

I hope you all enjoy it, you can download direct or visit the resources page. If you'd like to order the book (it ships in a few weeks) click here.

The book is DONE! I have just finished a new book on PowerPoint 2007. It’s called How to Wow with PowerPoint and I am writing it with my friend Scott Rekdal. I am quite proud of it... It's full color, to-the-point, and teaches you how to do all the important stuff with PowerPoint 2007. It's great for all levels of users, especially those who feel their skills have leveled-off.

I'm trying to get a sample chapter up this week. If you want to order it, put a pre-order into Amazon or directly at Peachpit. This way you'll get it first (heck we might even get the book out before Microsoft gets the software out).

Looking for some great new FCP tutorials? Well true experts know that "the power is in the trim." Chris has two great short tips on trimming, the first is on asymmetrical trimming (easier that its sounds) and the second is on using markers for sync reference. If you are an Avid editor, these two tutorials will really help unlock FCP's trimming tools. Be sure to subscribe today (it’s totally free). You can get it at iTunes (the preferred method) or manually visit our web feed. If you'd like to get full-length DVDs with practice media, then visit www.VASST.com.

Looking for some great new FCP tutorials? Well true experts know that "the power is in the trim." Chris has two great short tips on trimming, the first is on asymmetrical trimming (easier that its sounds) and the second is on using markers for sync reference. If you are an Avid editor, these two tutorials will really help unlock FCP's trimming tools. Be sure to subscribe today (it’s totally free). You can get it at iTunes (the preferred method) or manually visit our web feed. If you'd like to get full-length DVDs with practice media, then visit www.VASST.com.

In need of someone training this Fall? We've released five new titles. Three are brand new for Final Cut Pro users: Color Correction, Advanced Trimming, and Media Management. These are three areas that even the most experienced user can gain speed and confidence.

We've also significantly updated two of our best sellers: An Inside Look at the HVX-200 and a guide to working with HD Media. There are these and several more available at VASST.com. We hope you enjoy them!

So... I've never been able to say this... forgive the indulgence... “We're number one... we're number one!” Okay... I’m over it. This week our new Podcast hit #1 on the iTunes Store for Software Training (and we broke the Top 5 for all technology). I am quite happy that thousands of folks are accessing our Photoshop training and I hope you all find it helpful. In case you haven’t subscribed yet (it’s free) be sure to check it out on the iTunes store (if you don't want to use iTunes, click here.)

Thanks to Sheila Ward and DV Guru for the write-up on our Photoshop for Video podcast. We appreciate the link and turning people on to our show. If you've never checked out their site, have a look. Its a great community of bloggers posting on digital video and related technology.

Are you an intermediate to advanced After Effects user? If so, the coolest book ever is about to ship. I recently edited a book called After Effects @ Work. It features top designers like Trish & Chris Meyer, Mark Coleran, Ken Locsmandi, Rachel Max and Dave Phillips. Join eleven well -known AE designers and teachers as they teach you real-world secrets. You'll get an inside glimpse at 11 projects and see what an expert can do using just the tools that come on the After Effects CD-Rom and a budget of $10,000 or less. This book is a hybrid of case studies, tutorials, and inspiration. It's like eleven internships in a box. I'm really proud of this one and excited that it is to ship the week of July 16. To order, go visit Amazon for the lowest price.